Expansible drilling device



May 13, 1958 M. E. TRUE ET AL EXPANSIBLE DRLLING DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed sept. 14, 1956 FIG. 4. FIG. 5.

F'IG. 6.

' 1 INVENTORS. Martin E. True, George Boer,

m i iE n Wallace M. O 'Rei/ly,

TTORNE Y United States Patent EXPANSIBLE DRILLING DEVICE Martin E. True, George Boer, and Wallace M. Reilly, Houston, Tex., assgnors, by mesne assignments, to Esso Research and Engineering Company, Elizabeth, N. J., a corporation of Delaware Application September 14, 1956, Serial No. 609,918

Claims. (Cl. Z55-76) The present invention is directed to a drilling and reaming device which is movable through a well tubing. More particularly, the invention is directed to a drilling and Ireaming device lowerable through a well tubing and which is expansible to drilling or reaming position. More particularly, the invention is directed to a device which is lowerable through a well tubing into a well casing and is expansible into the opened position for teaming out a well casing or for drilling or reaming out a well bore and the like.

The present invention may be described as a drilling or reaming device lowerable through a well tubing on a liexible member, such as a wire line, which comprises, in combination, a retrievable support member which carries a slidable sleeve member having at least one pair of expansible drilling or reaming blades pivotally connected to the sleeve member. The drilling blades may have both drilling and reaming surfaces thereon. Frangible means releasably attach the blades to the sleeve member in in- Y operative position during the lowering through the well tubing. The sleeve member is slidably arranged for relative movement of the support member. The support member is provided with upwardly inclined surfaces matingly engaging with corresponding inclined surfaces on the expansible blades. Biasing means urge the sleeve upwardly relative to the support member for expanding the blades into operative position on release of the frangilble means.

The sleeve member may suitably be provided with means on its lower endengageable with the bottom of the well to release the frangible means. means may suitably be a shear pin. The means on the lower end of the sleeve member may suitably be a trip bar or m'ay be a drill connected to the lower end of the sleeve member such that when the 'bottom strikes against the bottom of the well the shear pin is ruptured. When the means on the lower end of the sleeve member is a drill, it is suitably arrangedto project ahead of the expansible blades such that it may drill a hole ahead of the expansible blades.

IIt is contemplated that the retrievable support member may be provided with a nid passageway therethrough having an inlet and an outlet. Also, the support member may be provided with a packing means mounted on the support member intermediate the inlet and outlet for sealingly engaging with the wall of the tubing. The packing means may be provided with pipe engaging means, such as pipe slips, which are -forced into engagement with the wall of the tubing on imposition of fluid pressure on the packing means. The support member is movable vertically relative to the packing means when the packing means engages with the wall of the tubing.

The retrievable support member is also suitably provided with a iishing head on its upper end engageable with a shing tool which m-ay suitably be provided on the end of a flexible member, such as a wire line, cable, .and the like. The support member may 'be provided with The frangible -f- 2,834,580 lPatented May 13, 1958 a weight member arranged on the support member to provide weight for the device.

AIt is contemplated in the practice of the present invention that the device may be supplied with either or both rst and second pairs of expansible blades each pivotally connected to the sleeve member and each releasably attached by a frangible means to the sleeve member to hold the blades in inoperative position during the lowering operation through the tubing. It is contemplated that one of the pair of blades may 'be pivotally connected to the sleeve member approximately from the iirst pair of blades and that the second pair of blades may be vertically spaced apart on the sleeve member from the iirst pair of blades. Any one or both of the pairs of blades may be provided with a reaming surface or the lower pair of blades may be provided with a drilling surface or both a reaming surface and a drilling surface.

The presentinvention will be further illustrated by reference to the drawing in which:

Fig. 1 shows ja partial View of the lower portion of the device of the present invention lowerable through the -tubing string in a well casing in the inoperative position;

lFig. 2 is a view partially in section of the upper portion -of the device of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a view partially in section of the device of Fig. l in operating position;

Fig. 4 is a side view in elevation of Fig. 3;

- Fig. 5 is an elevational View of the upper portion of the device as shown in Fig. 2;

Figs. 6 and 7 are views of the upper and lower secytions of a modified device of the present invention; and Fig. 8 is a view taken along the line 8-8 of Fig. 6. Referring now to the drawing and particularly to Figs.

1 to 3, in which identical numerals will be employed to designate identical parts, numeral 11 designates a well tubing arranged in a casing 12 with the well tubing .ll l

being arranged above the uppermost of a plurality of productive hydrocarbon formations, not shown, in accordance with the permanent well completiontechnique, such as described in World Oil, March, 1954. In Fig. 1 a tubular support member 13 has arranged thereon a slidable sleeve .14 which is biased upwardly by a bia-sing means,

such as a helical coil spring 15. The support member `y13 is provided with a first inclined surface 16 and a second inclined surface 1-7 which are adapted to matingly engage with inclined surfaces 18 and 19 on the upper ends 20 and 21 of expansi'ble blades 22 and 23. The expansible blades 2.2 and 23 are pivotally attached to the sleeve member 14 by means of a pivot pin 24.

Attached to the lower end of the sleeve member 1li is a suitable drill member 25, such as one of the bladedtype provided with a cutting edge 2li. Other types of drill members may be provided as desired. The upper end of the spring 15 is conned within aspace 27 in the upper end of the sleeve 14. The sleeve 14 is attached to a ring member 29 by mating threads 30 and the tubular support member 13 is attached by mating threads 3l to a collar 28 which serves to connect by mating threads 3?. to an upper portion 33 of the support member i3. The support member may be provided with or may carry a suitable weight member. For example, collar 28 may be suitably weighted to provi-de weight for the device. It is to be noted that collar 28 is attached to siipport member 13 by threads 3l and 32. Tubular support member 13 is slidably arranged for relative movement through Arranged below cup packer 36a is a packing meansgenerally indicated by .the .numeral .3.7 provided with .a downwardly facing cup-typepacker 38 which is provided with slip members 39. The `packing member is sealingly and slidably arranged .on :the .upper section .33 of fthe support member 13 by sealing zmeans, such as '.Oerings fdl). Fluid pressure imposed upwardly :the .cup packer 33 expands ,the packer :and the 4pipe slips 39 intosealing engagement with the inner Wall .of :the tubing 11.

The upper end of the .section .33 has a :lishing head ft2, attached thereto .to which is attached a -wire line or llexible .member 44. In Fig. l a .shear pin 45 .extending through sleeve 1st holds the blades .22 rand S3 in inoperative position rwhen the device .is lowered -through fthe well tubing '11.

Referring now to Fig. 6 .in which parts identical to those of `Figs. f1 `through ,5 are ridentiied kby identical numerals, .a modiled type lof idevice Vis `illustrated lower able through `a -well 'tubing 11 `into ya .casing l2 las :shown in Fig. l. 'In 'this arrangement, .a sleeve member l@ has pivotally attached jhereto iby means of Va pivot pin .24, blades .51 and 512each having an upper surface 1S and i9 engageable with mating ysurfaces 16 and 17 of .support member 7 which :is simi-lar Y.to :the supporting members 13. in this embodiment of vthe device, zthe -sleeve member 5t; is biased upwardly by means lof a biasing means arranged within :a space 27 :in the .upper .end of `,the sleeve 5d. The sleeve 5u is connected by mating threads 30 -to .an annular zring member 29. The support member S7 is connected by mating threads .3d :to a rcollar 28, such as described nlEigs. `l to 5. Although supporting member 57 :may be tubular it is .shownzas a solid rod.

The blades Sl and 52 are lprovided on .their llower ends with a cutting surface, such as 63 and 64, .and a reamin g surface v65 and 66.

As shown in Fig. 7, a second set of reaming blades 51 and S2 are vertically lspaced below `the upper .set and are pivotally connected .by a pivot pin 24 to a second sleeve member 56 which 1is.slidably arranged on .a ysecond support member V57 which is `biased upwardly -by a second biasing means, such as 1S. The second support member S7 threadedly connects by mating threads .68 to the lower 4end 69 of the upper sleeve member 50.

The lower end 79 of the lower sleeve member 50 may suitably, be provided with a trip .bar 71 which is designed to strike fthe bottom of the hole -or suitable obstruction in the 'wellbore casing 12.

lt is to be noted Athat casing 12 has 'been perforated to form .perforations 3i) 'which have been sealed `with rplugs 3l of cement which project into -the casing 12in-.the form of buttons, nodules or `rivet heads 52 of cement.

While the upper ,end of the Vdevice of Figs. 6 and 7 has not been shown, it may be .constructed identically with the device of Figs. l to 5.

The device of the present invention is useful in permanent well completion operations of the nature described in the aforementioned World Oil reference. ln such permanent well completion operations as during perforating or cementing, burrs or buttons or nodules of cement may be lett in the casing and form an obstruction which it is desirable to remove. The present invention allows the removal of such obstructions by a reaming or redrilling action. In accordance with the device of Figs. 1 to r5, the structure is lowered on a wire line or cable 44 through the tubing 12. The annulus A between the tubing 1i and the casing 12 has been closed by a suitable packing arrangement, such as 72, which may be a packer of the type described in the Composite Catalog of Oil Field and Pipe Line Equipment, vol. l, page 850, 1955-56 edition. ln this instance, the tubing 11 is provided with a side port 73 communicating a passageway 74 in the member 75 with the annulus A.

lf the device of the present invention is lowered .through the tubing, pressure imposed from theiannulus A through port 73 causes the cup-type packer 38 and the pipe slips 3l? to engage with the inner wall of the tubing.

AS .the ,drill 25 .strikes .the bottom .of .the hole, .the .shear pin 45 is ruptured by the weight and the tapered surfaces 16 and 17 of support member 13 acting downwardly against the tapered surfaces 1:8 and 19 of the blades 22 and 23 as the bit 25 and the sleeve strike the bottom of the hole and thus causing :the spring 15 to move the sleeve 14 upwardly on the support 13 ,and allowing the blades 22 and 23 to expand outwardly. lSincethe support member 14 is movable with respect to the packer 3.8 and slips 39., manipulation .of wire line '44 allows the .whole device to be rotated .and reciprocated upwardly and downwardly by the spring or twist -in wire line 44 to remove burrs or plugs, such as 82, which project .into the casing, as shown in Fig. 7. After the burrs or plugs have been removed, during -Which .time the drill 25 may be employed to drill ahead to remove any bridging obstructions in the casing due to bridging over of cement, .and the like, the whole ,device may he Vr.aisedthrough the tubing. As .the upper rendsl and .21ct :the .expanded Vblades strike the lower end 76 :of the tubing, the `blades 22 and 23 pivot about the. pivot pin 24 into a retracted position and are vheld thereby :by the -inner walls :of 4the tubing V11. Release of pressure from :the annulus A or from the tubing 11 allows the packer 38 andthe Lslips 39 to become Adisengaged and, therefore, the whole struc- @ture is removable through rthe tubing.

When employing the device of Figs. l to 5, it is possible by virtue of the passageway 34 and inlets 35 and outlets 36 to .circulate drilling fluid such as mud .or water `down the tubing 11 into the region `of Athe blades 2 2 and 23 zto remove .cuttings and debris. lLocation 'of packing member 37 intermediate the -inlet 35 and outlet 3.6 allows :the drilling fluid, .debris and cuttings -to vbe circulated out through the lower end of tubing 11 .below fthe :packing member 37, through the port 73 and passageway F74 into annulus A and thence to the well head :at 4the earths surface not shown. Imposition of fluidpressure wthrough the tubing A11 and passageway 34 also holds the packing member 37 into sealing engagement with the inner wall of .the tubing 11.

The device of Figs. -6 lto S operates vsimilarly .to :that of Figs. lrto 5,

While ithe invention has sheen described relative to drilling `out obstructions through :the teasing ,and :to reaming the wall of the casing, it is also applicable to inf-raming out the wallrof .a well bore and to .drill in an iopeniholc. Thus .the ,deviceof the present invention may` herused -,to drill .a .small hole Aaheadot" the roaming rblades, the: small hole :then .heing .reamed out vas drilling proceeds. There` fore, .itis desired V.that the .present invention not .beslimited toV the :particular :examples given by -way of :illustration thereof.

The present invention is :quite .useful fandadvantageous in .that .a ltool Ior .drilling .device is :provided which.1rnay be lowered through .a well .tubing and lused .to seam out well .casing .and well :hores without moving ,the tubing. ln other words, operations of the nature describedfherein may '.beicarried .out sby `wire line without manipulating .the tubing.

The natureand objects of the present invention having been :completely/described rand illustrated, what ywe wvish -to claim as .new .and useful and to secure by .Letters 'Patent .isz p l. A .device 'lfor Ause in aw-ell and 4lou/erable through a well tubing-string which comprises in combination, a -retrievable support member, -a sleeve tmember Aslidably Y arranged on vsaid support member, at tleast -a pair Aof expansible blades pivotally connected to said sleeve member, rangible means releasably attaching ysaid .blades in linoperative position to Vsaid sleeve member, saidsupport member :enclosing Atherupper ends `of said'blades .and being .provided `with upwardly :inclined surfaces srnatingly yengaging with corresponding inclined surfaces .on saidiblades, and biasing means 'urging said sleeve 'upwardly relative to said support member for expanding said blades into operative position on release of said frangible means.

2. A device for use in a well and lowerable through a well tubing string which comprises, in combination, a retrievable support member, a sleeve member slidably arranged on said support member, at least a pair of expansible blades pivotally connected to said sleeve member, frangible means releasably attaching said blades in inoperative position to said sleeve member, said support member enclosing the upper ends of said blades and being provided with upwardly inclined surfaces matingly engaging with corresponding inclined surfaces on said blades, biasing means urging said sleeve upwardly relative to said support member for expanding said blades into operative position on release of said frangible means, and means on the lower end of said sleeve member engageable with the bottom of the well whereby inertia of the support member applying force to said blades ruptures said frangible means when the means on the lower end of the sleeve has its downward movement stopped on engaging the bottom of the well.

3. A device for use in a well and lowerable through a well tubing string which comprises, in combination, a retrievable support member, a sleeve member slidably arranged on said support member, at least a pair of expansible blades pivotally connected to said sleeve member, frangible means releasably attaching said blades in inoperative position to said sleeve member, said support member enclosing the upper ends of said blades and being provided with upwardly inclined surfaces matingly engaging with corresponding inclined surfaces on said blades, biasing means urging said sleeve upwardly relative to said support member for expanding said blades into operative position on release of said frangible means, and drilling means on the lower end of said sleeve member engageable with the bottom of the well whereby inertia of the support member applying force to said blades ruptures and releases said frangible means to drill ahead of said blades when the drilling means on the lower end of the sleeve has its downward movement stopped on engaging the bottom of the well.

4. A device for use in a well and lowerable through a well tubing string which comprises, in combination, a retrievable support member having a uid passageway therethrough provided with an inlet and an outlet, a sleeve member slidably arranged on said support member, at least a pair of expansible blades pivotally connected to said sleeve member, frangible means releasably attaching said blades in inoperative position to said sleeve member, said support member enclosing the upper ends of said blades and being provided with upwardly inclined surfaces matingly engaging with corresponding inclined surfaces on said blades, biasing means urging said sleeve upwardly relative to said support member for expanding said blades into operative position on release of said frangible means, packing means mounted on said support member intermediate the inlet and outlet for sealingly engaging with the wall of said tubing, and drilling means on the lower end of said sleeve member engageable with the bottom of the well whereby inertia of the support member applying force to said blades ruptures and releases said frangible means to drill ahead of said blades when the drilling means on the lower end of the sleeve has its downward movement stopped on engaging the bottom of the well, said support member being movable vertically relative to said packing means when said packing means are engaged with the wall of the tubing.

5. A device in accordance with claim 4 in which the packing means is provided with pipe engaging means for engaging with the wall vof the well tubing and in which said packing means and said pipe engaging means are operative by uid pressure imposed on said packing means.

6. A drilling device for use in a well and lowerable through a well tubing string which comprises, in combination, a retrievable support member provided with a fishing head engageable with a fishing tool, a weight member carried by said support member, a sleeve member slidably arranged on said support member, at least a pair of expansible blades pivotally connected to said sleeve member, frangible means releasably attaching said blades in inoperative position to said sleeve member, said support member enclosing the upper ends of said blades and being provided with upwardly inclined surfaces matingly engaging with corresponding inclined surfaces on said blades, and biasing means urging said sleeve upwardly relative to said support member for expanding said blades into operative position on release of said frangiblc means.

7. A device for use in a well and lowerable through a well tubing string which comprises, in combination, a retrievable support member, first and second sleeve members slidably arranged on said support member, a first pair of expansible drilling blades pivotally connected to said first sleeve member, a second pair of expansible roaming blades pivotally connected to said second sleeve member vertically spaced from said first pair, separate first and second frangible means releasably attaching said rst and second pairs of blades respectively in inoperative position to said first and second sleeve members, said support member enclosing the upper ends of said first and second pairs of blades and being provided with upwardly inclined surfaces matingly engaging with corresponding inclined surfaces on said rst and second pairs of blades, and rst and second biasing means urging said rst and second sleeves upwardly relative to said support member for expanding said first and second pairs of blades into operative position on release of said first and second frangible means.

8. A device in accordance with claim 7 in which the second pair of blades are pivotally connected to said support member approximately from said tirst pair of blades.

9. A drilling device for use in a well and lowerable through a well tubing string which comprises, in combination, a retrievable support member, a sleeve member slidably arranged on said support member, at least a pair of expansible drilling blades pivotally connected to said sleeve member, frangible means releasably attaching said blades in inoperative position to said sleeve member, said support member enclosing the upper ends of said blades and being provided with upwardly inclined surfaces matingly engaging with corresponding inclined surfaces on said blades, and biasing means urging said sleeve upwardly relative to said support member for expanding said blades into operative position on release of said frangible means.

10. A device in accordance with claim 9 in which the blades are provided with a reaming surface.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,542,880 Hobbs June 23, 1925 1,726,598, Walker a Sept. 3, 1929 2,203,966 Otis June 11, 1940 2,244,674 Cady June 10, 1941 2,545,036 Kammerer Mar. 13, 1951 

